On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the French an d German speaking congregations in Beirut, Lebanon, a joint French and German delegation visited Beirut from October 13-22, 2006. A week of festivities was planned by the two churches in Beirut.
The German delegation was led by H.G. Bishop Dr. Wolfgang Huber, President of the Church Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany. The delegation met with MECC General Secretary and Director of the International Ecumenica l Relations on Saturday October 14, to hear about the MECC activities during the war on Lebanon and to discuss and strengthen the collaboration and cooperation between the Evangelical German Church and the MECC, as well as to plan for future joint events.
A Press Conference was held upon Bishop Huber¹s request, on Sunday October 15 at the MECC Head Office in Beirut, and attended by the delegation member s as well as the Pastor of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut, Rev. Dr . Habib Badr, MECC General Secretary, Communication and International Ecumenical Relations staff.
H.G. Bishop Huber stated that besides the festivities on the occasion of th e 1250th anniversary of the German and French churches, his visit is also meant to be a visit of solidarity with the Lebanese people and an exposure to the actual situation in the country, stating that it is always different to see it all personally. War and violence never solve problems and differences, he said. Churches have a role to play in setting solid foundations for a just peace what regards the Israeli-Palestinian problem. This can be achieved through the creation of two independent states based o n justice, mutual respect and human rights. To achieve this noble goal, churches worldwide should work together and in solidarity.
Bishop Huber mentioned his appreciation of the existing cooperation and collaboration between churches and communities in Lebanon as witnessed during his past visit, 4 years ago, hoping that this cooperation would continue to prevail and to promote reconciliation and peace.
MECC General Secretary attended the afternoon Festive Service and Opening Ceremony offered by the German Church and gave the MECC Message of Greeting s along with other personalities attending. In his words, Mr. Guirgis Saleh emphasized the long and fruitful relation and collaboration between the MEC C and the German and French churches.
Middle East Council of Churches Office of International Ecumenical Relations P.O. Box 5376, Beirut, Lebanon
Guirgis Ibrahim Saleh, General Secretary
mecc@cyberia.net.lb or guirgissaleh@cyberia.net.lb
+961-1-353-938 http://www.mec-churches.org/